13.1 Art as political propaganda in ancient Greece
3 min read•august 5, 2024
Ancient Greek art wasn't just pretty pictures. It was a powerful tool for politicians to show off their power and ideas. They used big buildings and statues to make Athens look awesome and important.
was the ultimate flex. Built by , it screamed "Athens is the best!" Its amazing art and architecture celebrated Athenian culture and power. Other sculptures around the city did the same thing, showing off Athens' greatness to everyone.
Political Figures and Monuments
Pericles and the Parthenon
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parthenon frieze | Details of the west frieze of Parthenon b… | Flickr View original
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The Parthenon Frieze 2 | Christopher Amrich | Flickr View original
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Parthenon Frieze | From the reconstructed frieze on the rear… | Flickr View original
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- Pericles, prominent Athenian statesman, initiated an ambitious building program in Athens during the 5th century BC
- Commissioned the construction of the Parthenon, a monumental temple dedicated to Athena on (the city's sacred hill)
- The Parthenon served as a symbol of Athenian power, wealth, and cultural achievements
- Showcased the finest examples of Greek architecture, sculpture, and artistic craftsmanship (, elaborate frieze, and pediments)
Public Sculpture on the Acropolis
- The Acropolis became a focal point for public sculpture during the Classical period
- Sculptures adorned the Parthenon and other temples, depicting gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes
- The Parthenon frieze depicted the , a festival honoring Athena and celebrating
- Other notable sculptures on the Acropolis include the (female figures serving as architectural supports) and the (a colossal bronze statue of Athena)
Athenian Power and Influence
Athenian Empire and the Delian League
- Athens emerged as a dominant power in the Greek world following the Persian Wars (490-479 BC)
- Formed the , a military alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, to counter the Persian threat
- The league gradually transformed into the as Athens exerted greater control over its allies
- Athens used its power and wealth to fund ambitious building projects and assert its cultural supremacy
Victory Monuments and Votive Offerings
- Athens celebrated its military victories and political achievements through the creation of
- The , built to commemorate the victory at the (490 BC), showcased Athenian prowess
- Votive offerings, such as the (statues of young women), were dedicated to the gods as a sign of gratitude and piety
- These monuments and offerings served as a reminder of Athenian power and influence in the Greek world
Artistic Ideals and Civic Identity
Idealization in Classical Greek Art
- Classical Greek art, particularly sculpture, sought to represent idealized human forms and proportions
- Artists aimed to capture the essence of beauty, harmony, and balance in their works
- , a treatise on sculptural proportions, exemplified the pursuit of ideal human form
- Idealized representations of gods, heroes, and athletes reflected the Greek belief in the perfection of the human body and spirit
Art and Athenian Civic Identity
- Art played a crucial role in shaping and expressing Athenian civic identity
- Public monuments, sculptures, and architectural works celebrated Athenian values, achievements, and religious beliefs
- The Parthenon and its sculptures embodied the ideals of democracy, wisdom, and reverence for the gods
- Artistic representations of mythological scenes and historical events reinforced a shared cultural heritage and promoted a sense of unity among Athenian citizens
Key Terms to Review (16)
Athena promachos: Athena Promachos refers to a monumental statue of the goddess Athena, designed to symbolize her role as the protector and guardian of the city of Athens. This colossal statue stood in front of the Acropolis and was a key expression of Athenian identity and pride, embodying their values of strength, wisdom, and military prowess. As an iconic representation, it also served as a powerful political statement, reinforcing the idea of Athens as a dominant force in the Greek world.
Athenian Acropolis Korai: The Athenian Acropolis Korai refers to a series of beautifully carved female statues that were part of the artistic expression in ancient Athens, primarily serving as votive offerings. These korai, often depicted in elaborate clothing and with intricate hairstyles, symbolize the social and political ideals of Athenian society during the 5th century B.C. They were closely tied to the Acropolis, a significant religious and cultural center that represented Athenian power and identity.
Athenian Civic Identity: Athenian civic identity refers to the sense of belonging and participation that citizens of Athens had within their political and social structures during the classical period. This identity was closely tied to the democratic ideals of the city-state, emphasizing active engagement in governance, public life, and a shared cultural heritage that distinguished Athenians from non-citizens and foreign inhabitants.
Athenian Empire: The Athenian Empire was a powerful alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, particularly flourishing during the 5th century B.C. This empire emerged after the Persian Wars and played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of ancient Greece. The Athenian Empire was characterized by its naval strength, the Delian League, and the use of art and culture as a means of political propaganda to assert dominance and influence over other city-states.
Athenian Treasury at Delphi: The Athenian Treasury at Delphi was a monumental building constructed by the Athenians around 490 B.C. to house offerings and tribute dedicated to the god Apollo at the sanctuary of Delphi. It served not only as a repository for wealth and religious offerings but also as a symbol of Athenian power and prestige, reflecting the city-state's political ambitions and its role in the wider Greek world during a time of increasing rivalry and competition.
Battle of Marathon: The Battle of Marathon was a significant military confrontation fought in 490 B.C. between the Athenian city-state and the invading Persian forces. This battle is not only pivotal in the context of the Greco-Persian Wars but also marks a defining moment for Athenian democracy and identity, as it galvanized unity among the Greek city-states against a common enemy.
Delian League: The Delian League was an alliance of Greek city-states, led by Athens, formed in 478 B.C. after the Persian Wars to continue the fight against Persia and to secure mutual defense. It evolved into an Athenian empire, reflecting the political and military dominance of Athens in the Classical period, and is crucial for understanding the historical timeline, monumental architecture, and the use of art as propaganda during that era.
Doric columns: Doric columns are one of the oldest and simplest styles of columns used in ancient Greek architecture, characterized by their sturdy, fluted shafts and simple, unadorned capitals. They represent strength and masculinity, often associated with the ideals of order and harmony, which were significant in political propaganda during ancient Greece as they embodied the values of democracy and civic pride.
Erechtheion caryatids: The Erechtheion Caryatids are sculpted female figures that serve as architectural supports in the Erechtheion, a temple on the Acropolis of Athens. These figures replace traditional columns, embodying the unique blend of art and function in ancient Greek architecture, reflecting the political and cultural significance of the time.
Idealization in Classical Greek Art: Idealization in classical Greek art refers to the artistic practice of portraying figures and forms in an idealized manner, often emphasizing beauty, proportion, and harmony over realistic representation. This approach reflects the Greek belief in the pursuit of perfection and the glorification of human forms, connecting closely to the cultural and political ideals of the time.
Panathenaic Procession: The Panathenaic Procession was a grand festival and procession held in ancient Athens to celebrate the birthday of the goddess Athena. This event involved a large number of participants, including citizens, priests, and athletes, who would march from the city to the Acropolis carrying a new peplos (robe) for Athena's statue, showcasing Athenian unity, civic pride, and religious devotion. The procession is intricately connected to the Parthenon and its sculptures, emphasizing themes of power and identity in ancient Athens.
Pericles: Pericles was a prominent and influential statesman, orator, and general during Athens' Golden Age, specifically from 461 to 429 B.C. He is best known for his role in promoting democracy in Athens and for overseeing a period of cultural and artistic flourishing that marked the Classical period. His leadership laid the foundation for significant architectural projects and the use of art as a tool for political propaganda, especially through the extensive building program on the Acropolis.
The acropolis: The acropolis refers to a high, fortified area in an ancient Greek city, often serving as a religious and cultural center. In Athens, the most famous acropolis is the Acropolis of Athens, which housed significant structures such as the Parthenon and was a symbol of political power and artistic achievement. The acropolis played a crucial role in the identity of the city-state, reflecting its values and ideals through monumental architecture and art.
The canon of Polykleitos: The canon of Polykleitos is a set of ideal mathematical proportions for the human body created by the ancient Greek sculptor Polykleitos around the 5th century B.C. This formula served as a guideline for achieving perfect physical beauty and harmony in sculpture, emphasizing symmetry and balance. Polykleitos aimed to create a model of the ideal male figure, often represented in his famous statue, the Doryphoros, which epitomizes these principles and reflects the values of beauty and perfection in ancient Greek culture.
The Parthenon: The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patroness. This architectural masterpiece symbolizes the cultural and artistic achievements of Classical Greece, particularly highlighting the reverence for gods and heroes, the ideals of democracy, and its use as a tool for political propaganda during its time.
Victory monuments: Victory monuments are structures erected to commemorate military triumphs and celebrate the achievements of a city or state. These monuments often served not only as reminders of past victories but also as symbols of civic pride, reinforcing the political power and cultural identity of the community. They were frequently adorned with artistic elements that reflected the values and aspirations of the society that built them, contributing to the legacy of Classical Greek art.